Watercraft trim system

Abstract

A watercraft trim system having port and starboard trim flaps which mount near the stern. The trim flaps are independently operated by pneumatic operators. The pneumatic operators are governed by pressure modulators which each advantageously include a gas compressor and controllable pressure relief valve. An automatic control system is used to control the pressure modulators. The control system includes attitude sensors using optical emitter-detectors which beam across liquid-filled channels. The channels contain gas bubbles which are detected by the emitter-detectors to indicate attitude deviations.

I claim: 
     
       1. A watercraft trim system for mounting upon a vessel having a hull with a stern, bow, port side and starboard side, comprising: a first trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the starboard side;   a second trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the port side;   a first pneumatic operator connected to the first trim flap and the vessel to allow adjustable positioning of the first trim flap relative to the hull;   a second pneumatic operator connected to the second trim flap and the vessel to allow adjustable positioning of the second trim flap relative to the hull;   a first pressure modulator in fluid communication with the first pneumatic operator for controllably varying pressure supplied to the first pneumatic operator; said first pressure modulator comprising a first pressure source connected to controllably supply pressurized gas to the first pneumatic operator, and a controllable first pressure relief valve for controllably relieving pressure supplied to the first pneumatic operator;   a second pressure modulator in fluid communication with the second pneumatic operator for controllably varying pressure supplied to the second pneumatic operator; said second pressure modulator comprising a second pressure source connected to controllably supply pressurized gas to the second pneumatic operator, and a controllable second pressure relief valve for controllably relieving pressure supplied to the second pneumatic operator;   an automatic control system which senses to provide information indicating attitude of the vessel and controls the first and second pressure modulators to automatically adjust attitude of the vessel when moving through the water.   
     
     
       2. A watercraft trim system according to claim 1 wherein: said first pressure modulator comprises: a first gas compressor forming at least part of said first pressure source;     said second pressure modulator comprises: a second gas compressor forming at least part of said second pressure source.     
     
     
       3. A watercraft trim system according to claim 1 wherein: said first pressure modulator further comprises: a first check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the first pneumatic operator toward the first pressure source; and     said second pressure modulator further comprises: a second check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the first pneumatic operator toward the first pressure source.     
     
     
       4. A watercraft trim system according to claim 1 wherein: said first pressure modulator comprises: a first gas compressor forming at least part of said first pressure source;   a first check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the first pneumatic operator toward the first gas compressor; and     said second pressure modulator comprises: a second gas compressor forming at least part of said second pressure source;   a second check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the first pneumatic operator toward the first gas compressor.     
     
     
       5. A watercraft trim system according to claim 1 wherein said automatic control system includes: a first sensing chamber containing a liquid and a first gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the first sensing chamber to detect changes in the first gas bubble;   a second sensing chamber containing a liquid and a second gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one second emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the second sensing chamber to detect changes in the second gas bubble.   
     
     
       6. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along intersecting bearing directions. 
     
     
       7. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along approximately perpendicular bearing directions. 
     
     
       8. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel. 
     
     
       9. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel; said gimbal support mechanism including biasing means. 
     
     
       10. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein said first and second sensing chambers are provided with a single bubble of gas. 
     
     
       11. A watercraft trim system according to claim 5 wherein there are at least two of said first and second sensing chambers; complementary first sensing chambers and complementary second sensing chambers being angled relative to one another to allow sensing for oppositely directed changes in attitude of the vessel. 
     
     
       12. A watercraft trim system for mounting upon a vessel having a hull with a stern, bow, port side and starboard side, comprising: a first trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the starboard side;   a second trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the port side;   a first pneumatic operator connected to the first trim flap and the vessel to allow adjustable positioning of the first trim flap relative to the hull;   a second pneumatic operator connected to the second trim flap and the vessel to allow adjustable positioning of the second trim flap relative to the hull;   a first gas compressor connected to supply pressurized gas to the first pneumatic operator;   a second gas compressor connected to supply pressurized gas to the second pneumatic operator;   a controllable first pressure relief valve for relieving pressure from the first pneumatic operator;   a controllable second pressure relief valve for relieving pressure from the second pneumatic operator;   an automatic control system which senses to provide information indicating attitude of the vessel and controls said gas compressors or said pressure relief valves to automatically adjust attitude of the vessel when moving through the water; said automatic control system including:   a first sensing chamber containing a liquid and a first gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the first sensing chamber to detect changes in the first gas bubble;   a second sensing chamber containing a liquid and a second gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one second emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the second sensing chamber to detect changes in the second gas bubble.   
     
     
       13. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 and further comprising: a first check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the first pneumatic operator toward the first gas compressor;   a second check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the second pneumatic operator toward the second gas compressor.   
     
     
       14. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along intersecting bearing directions. 
     
     
       15. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along approximately perpendicular bearing directions. 
     
     
       16. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel. 
     
     
       17. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel; said gimbal support mechanism including biasing means. 
     
     
       18. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein said first and second sensing chambers are provided with a single bubble of gas. 
     
     
       19. A watercraft trim system according to claim 12 wherein there are at least two of said first and second sensing chambers; complementary first sensing chambers and complementary second sensing chambers being angled relative to one another to allow sensing for oppositely directed changes in attitude of the vessel. 
     
     
       20. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems used upon a vessel, comprising: a first sensing chamber containing a liquid and a first gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the first sensing chamber to detect changes in the first gas bubble;   a second sensing chamber containing a liquid and a second gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one second emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the second sensing chamber to detect changes in the second gas bubble.   
     
     
       21. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along intersecting bearing directions. 
     
     
       22. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along approximately perpendicular bearing directions. 
     
     
       23. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel. 
     
     
       24. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel; said gimbal support mechanism including biasing means. 
     
     
       25. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein said first and second sensing chambers are provided with a single bubble of gas. 
     
     
       26. An automatic control system for watercraft trim systems according to claim 20 wherein there are at least two of said first and second sensing chambers; complementary first sensing chambers and complementary second sensing chambers being angled relative to one another to allow sensing for oppositely directed changes in attitude of the vessel. 
     
     
       27. A watercraft trim system for mounting upon a vessel having a hull with a stern, bow, port side and starboard side, comprising: a trim flap mounted upon the hull;   a pneumatic operator connected to the trim flap and the vessel to allow adjustable positioning of the trim flap relative to the hull;   a pressure modulator in fluid communication with the pneumatic operator for controllably varying pressure supplied to the pneumatic operator; said pressure modulator comprising a pressure source connected to controllably supply pressurized gas to the pneumatic operator, and a controllable pressure relief valve for controllably relieving pressure supplied to the pneumatic operator;   an automatic control system which senses to provide information indicating attitude of the vessel and controls the pressure modulator to automatically adjust attitude of the vessel when moving through the water.   
     
     
       28. A watercraft trim system according to claim 27 wherein said pressure modulator comprises a gas compressor forming at least part of said pressure source. 
     
     
       29. A watercraft trim system according to claim 27 wherein said pressure modulator further comprises a check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the pneumatic operator toward the pressure source. 
     
     
       30. A watercraft trim system according to claim 27 wherein said pressure modulator comprises: a gas compressor forming at least part of said pressure source;   a check valve connected to prevent fluid flow from the pneumatic operator toward the gas compressor.   
     
     
       31. A watercraft trim system according to claim 27 wherein said automatic control system includes: a sensing chamber containing a liquid and a gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the sensing chamber to detect changes in the gas bubble.   
     
     
       32. A watercraft trim system according to claim 27 wherein said automatic control system includes: a first sensing chamber containing a liquid and a first gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the first sensing chamber to detect changes in the first gas bubble;   a second sensing chamber containing a liquid and a second gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one second emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the second sensing chamber to detect changes in the second gas bubble.   
     
     
       33. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along intersecting bearing directions. 
     
     
       34. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along approximately perpendicular bearing directions. 
     
     
       35. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel. 
     
     
       36. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel; said gimbal support mechanism including biasing means. 
     
     
       37. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein said first and second sensing chambers are provided with a single bubble of gas. 
     
     
       38. A watercraft trim system according to claim 32 wherein there are at least two of said first and second sensing chambers; complementary first sensing chambers and complementary second sensing chambers being angled relative to one another to allow sensing for oppositely directed changes in attitude of the vessel. 
     
     
       39. A watercraft trim system for mounting upon a vessel having a hull with a stern, bow, port side and starboard side, comprising: a first trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the starboard side;   a second trim flap mounted adjacent the stern of the vessel toward the port side;   a first pneumatic operator which is connected to the first trim flap and the vessel and is extendible and retractable to allow adjustable positioning of the first trim flap relative to the hull;   a second pneumatic operator which is connected to the second trim flap and the vessel and is extendible and retractable to allow adjustable positioning of the second trim flap relative to the hull;   a first pressure modulator in fluid communication with the first pneumatic operator for controllably operating the first pneumatic operator by varying pressure supplied to the first pneumatic operator;   a second pressure modulator in fluid communication with the second pneumatic operator for controllably operating the second pneumatic operator by varying pressure supplied to the second pneumatic operator;   an automatic control system which senses to provide information indicating attitude of the vessel and controls the first and second pressure modulators to automatically adjust attitude of the vessel when moving through the water.   
     
     
       40. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein said automatic control system includes: a first sensing chamber containing a liquid and a first gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one first emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the first sensing chamber to detect changes in the first gas bubble;   a second sensing chamber containing a liquid and a second gas bubble which moves within the liquid in response to changes in the attitude of the vessel;   at least one second emitter-detector pair mounted to beam across the second sensing chamber to detect changes in the second gas bubble.   
     
     
       41. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along intersecting bearing directions. 
     
     
       42. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are oriented along approximately perpendicular bearing directions. 
     
     
       43. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel. 
     
     
       44. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein the first and second sensing chambers are mounted upon a gimbal support mechanism which allows adjustment of the sensing chambers relative to the vessel; said gimbal support mechanism including biasing means. 
     
     
       45. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein said first and second sensing chambers are provided with a single bubble of gas. 
     
     
       46. A watercraft trim system according to claim 39 wherein there are at least two of said first and second sensing chambers; complementary first sensing chambers and complementary second sensing chambers being angled relative to one another to allow sensing for oppositely directed changes in attitude of the vessel.